Round 2

This round was a was a little harder. I  was tired, more than usual for the first part of the week. I still kept on walking and running . Sometimes  its all you can do to get up and battle it out, but one thing I've learned in my journey is, sometimes you just don't think about what you are about to do. The more you argue with yourself or try and convince yourself  that you really don't need to do what you have set out to do. The easier life is right. I can wake up every morning and get some fresh air, or lay there with this crap in my body. So I choose to fight it out. I don't want to do another round of chemo, but it's what I'm going to do to keep going. Stop making excuses, just go out and do what you plan to do without contemplating the goal you have set out to accomplish for that day. Don't let the negativity take over.Thanks to wonderful family, friends, and acquaintances for you amazing love and support. I consider you all friends!

In these pictures from left to right: Elena (sister-in law), Jenny(sister), Alison, Kathy(sister) and Grandma Brower(mom). They came down and sat with her during treatment. We have the best cheerleaders at the cancer clinic.

Cheers for going to our chemo treatment! ! NOT!! Says no one ever!!! Yuk! Sarcastic cheers! :)
We were doing a  sarcastic cheer, ha fooled ya all!

Chemotherapy is administered byIV into a special port in the chest. We have one more treatment before preparation for a bone marrow transplant.I keep the port accessed all week long for night infusions for hydration it sucks, cause it sticks out pretty far and you can't hide it that well with clothing, and it hurts when people hug you really tight. We made it out to a wedding on Friday and rollerderby on Saturday! I feel truly strengthened by the Lord and everyone's prayers and love. I am emotional, really I am, so if you ask how I'm doing and I just start to cry don't take it as I'm doing awful, just take  it as I am going to cry about it today!   But it's all good!

New Hairstyle!!

You may ask why are we cutting her hair? Well many people know that cancer treatment causes hair loss. So when you hair starts falling out in clump verrrry slowly it really sucks. Watching your hair fall out day by day is a constant reminder of your sickness and it gets everywhere. As you can see going bald is not easy but its a family event. I am humbled by my wife's constant courage. She is still the prettiest lady I've every met!!!

Finishing touches:

The finish product looks like this:

Us together:

This is our second time at cancer treatment. Each time I love how she glows! She radiates strength and courage. I think this picture captures a bit of what I see everyday.

Upcoming Events and What is 50K for Ali?

ONLY POSITIVE ENERGY ALLOWED

ANNOUNCEMENT

Hi all!  This is Cathy, Ali's sister.  I was on the phone with some of Ali's friends from Spanish Fork.  We are trying to organize some events in support of Ali and Desi.  We are still in the early stages of planning, but I wanted to announce that our hope is to put together two family friendly 5k runs for Alison sometime over the summer.  One will be held in Idaho Falls and the other in Spanish Fork.  If you are interested in participating in either event, just keep watching and reading here on the blog....we will update as more information becomes available.

  
SUMMARY OF DIAGNOSIS
Ali was diagnosed about a year and a half ago with cancer and recently we have found out that it is back.  She has a type of lymphoma that has been difficult to diagnose, the official diagnosis came back as "gray lymphoma".  That means that it tests positive for some aspects of a couple different types of lymphomas, but not all of them (it's kind of a gray area).    She  started a rigorous  chemotherapy schedule in February and will need a stem cell transplant/bone marrow transplant later on this year.     

WHAT IS 50K FOR ALI?
With her first diagnosis in 2012, our family did  "5,000 for Ali"  to burn our frustration out in miles.  Ali likes to run and has competed in several marathons and half marathons and 5k races and so it seemed like a natural way to honor her.  My parents wanted to do it again in 2014 and this time include not just family, but friends as well and try to get  50,000 miles for Ali.  This is just a way to show love and support and direct our energy in positive way.  

Here are totals from those already participating in the "50k for Ali" (We have 40-50 friends and family so far)

January Miles = 1189
February Miles = 4117

I know Ali has experienced positive personal change during the past year and a half as she has bravely ran the cancer race.  She knows that there is a loving Father in Heaven who answers prayers and can create change in our lives when we turn to Him. I have heard her say more than once that if one person could change for the better because they watched her go through this, it would be worth it for her. So if you've always dreamed of running or getting in better shape (physically or spiritually)....DO IT NOW!   YES YOU CAN!! YOLO!!!

If you want to submit "miles for Ali"  you can send an email to 50kforAli@gmail.com I will send out an email at the end of each month to everyone participating. You just need to reply with the total "miles" you have logged for the month. I will keep a running total of the miles and who ran them. Also, if you have a note of encouragement I will pass it on to her.

The rules:

1 mile of walking, running or biking = 1 mile
10 to 15 minutes of exercise (classes or sports) = 1 mile
1lb lost = 10 miles (you can't keep loosing the same pound)

If you have ever worked out with Ali, you know it's brutal!   She can go the distance and make grown men cry (ask Desi) and tough old HS football players turn green ( ask my husband).  She has inspired our family many times to work a little harder and sweat a little more.  
Feel free to pass this on to others who you know who might know her.

ALI'S NEW HAIRDO
I just got off the phone with Ali, sounds like she'll be getting a new hair do really soon!  Stay tuned....she said she'd post a picture.   She doesn't want sympathy.....but positive energy, good humor and prayers are always appreciated.

Thank you!!

Cathy (Ali's Sister)

If you feel like taking it easy or skipping the workout, think of Ali, grit your teeth and go one more mile!

The first round of chemotherapy went well. Alison managed it and is currently feeling ok. Each round will have a stronger effect on her body. We were so thankful for all the family that has come to support us during this time of  stress and difficulty. I am so impressed with Ali and her ability to smile and love and still care for others in her time of trial.

We also want to thank everyone in advance for any help you give us at this time. This will be the third straight year we will hit our out of pocket maximum with our insurance.

Welcome, Friends!

Hello!  If you're reading this blog, you are somehow connected with the Lomax family which means they have somehow impacted your life for the better.  Most of us have been looking for some way to help.  Many of us report our monthly exercise as a means of moral support.  I'm hoping all of us will be willing to participate in another way as well.  The truth is that what the Lomax family needs from all of us is the one thing they'd never ask us for: money.  I'm here to ask for them.

The fact is that cancer is expensive.  Even with good insurance, cancer is expensive.  Worrying about finances is something most of us do all the time anyway without the added worries of going through chemo and a possible bone marrow transplant while trying to provide as normal a family life as possible for 4 growing kids.

I want you to think of all the times Desi has made you laugh or coached your kid's team, or the times Allison has gotten you to work out when you really didn't feel like it.  Think of all the carpools, the youth activities, the shared races, and anything else that gives you a happy memory with this family.  Think about it.  Then hit the Paypal button to the right.

All I'm asking for is $25.00.  Most of us can give up one trip to the movies, a manicure, or a cheap date night.  Will you take it a step further and skip a trip to the salon, a BYU game (I know that's touchy...), or that last trip to Snowbird?  I encourage you to be generous if you're able, but every little bit helps.  The funds are not managed by me or anyone else, they go straight into Ali and Desi's own Paypal account where they can use it for medical bills and other costs.  The need for help will be ongoing, so come back and give a little whenever you're able.

Ali, Desi, and a couple of family members will have the ability to post to this blog and will try to keep us updated on her progress.  Let's all keep in mind that cancer involves a lot of waiting, so no news isn't necessarily bad news, it just means they're waiting too.  To give you some idea of what they're up against if/when the bone marrow transplant becomes necessary, you can visit this link which will outline some of the costs they're looking at on top of the chemo.  It's a little staggering, so open your hearts and your wallets and let's do what we can to help out this family who has had such a positive impact on all of us!